We love to hear success stories from readers and listeners. Fortunately, it happens often and we never grow tired of it.
And every once in a while one comes along that really gets our attention.
Such was the case a few days ago when I got a call on Skype.
I could tell immediately that Espanol was this gentleman’s first language as he began–with great excitement–to tell me what was going on in his life.
He and his girlfriend had been listening to the X & Y On The Fly podcast for months, and we had inspired them. They were launching a podcast of their own, sharing dating and relationship advice with a global audience.
“Sweet!”, I responded. Having dragged Emily into the conversation from the other room. Now with his girlfriend conferenced in, I said “Tell us more about yourselves.”
“Well, she is the greatest woman in the world.”, he began. His girlfriend returned a similar sentiment…in perfect English.
Emily noticed the difference between their accents and offered some encouragement, “You know, my Mom’s first language was Spanish and my dad didn’t speak any at all. It was a real challenge for them, but you know they’re still happy together after over 40 years.”
As she responded, I detected an unmistakable Canadian inflection in her voice as she talked “aboot” their relationship, and how smitten they were.
Remembering that the guy had told me at the beginning of the conversation that he was from Mexico, but now living in Oklahoma, curiosity got the best of me.
Observing all of this, I said to her, “You sound Canadian. You’re from north of the border and him from the south. How in the world did you both find your way to Oklahoma? Talk about serendipity.”
Yeah, well…you know what happens when you assume.
“Umm…I’m sort of still in Canada.”, she offered.
The guy jumped in right away. “I’m fully prepared to move to Canada to be with her as soon as I can.”
Emily and I looked at each other wordlessly. Long distance relationship. Language barrier. International barrier.
And I couldn’t help it. Like “Mr. Stay Puft” just “appeared” in Dan Aykroyd’s mind in Ghostbusters, the joke just surfaced out of nowhere in my twisted imagination: “Forget whether he’ll still love her in the morning. Will he still love her in February?”
Finally, after what almost was allowed to become an awkward silence, I slipped further into the realm of ridiculous assumptions. “Well, I’m sure you make the most of every single minute you get to spend together. I can tell you are very confident in your feelings for one another.”
“Almost” was just a sweet memory at that point. We had tripped the “awkward silence” activator.
“Uh…well…we plan on that sometime in the near future.”
Don’t ask me which of the two uttered that one. Frankly, I forget. I was too flabbergasted to notice.
Indeed. They had never met. It had been seven months.
They say that love is blind, but that’s a hella long blind date. Especially in two different languages…and with two different passports.
But they genuinely appear to both be super nice people and we wish them well. Apparently, they have webcams and stuff.
And their podcast on dating advice is coming soon to an iPod near you.
And we were their inspiration.
And we’ve got to be careful where we point this thing.
Be Good,
Scot
Let’s face it. This podcast truly has something for everyone.
Now brought to you by